The Holidays

I hope everyone had a very beautiful Christmas!! It really is one of my most favorite times. The anticipation, the memories, the hunting for gifts, the attempt at good wrapping jobs, the love felt, the love given. For many, it's a very magical and wonderful time. For many others, it's a terrible time. When I worked for the fire department, we would actually mentally prep for an increase in suicides during the holiday time because it can get rough for some. When you think of the holidays, family or loved ones are usually mixed in there somehow. And for some, this is one of the most painful things. Divorced families, sick family members, members passed away, deployed members, no money to buy gifts for family, not the home set-up you want for your family. The pressure and the pain can be terrible. For some, too much to deal with. We all at some point in our life will be in this painful position. How should you deal with it when it hits you? First, you have to realize that bad thing will pass but you might have hang in there for a bit. Next, you have to do everything you can to keep your head and focus on the positive things. It's not really a "fake it til you make it" kind of thing but rather keeping yourself moving in a particular direction. Finally, don't make it so black and white about who must be there or not there or where you must be for the holidays. Be flexible. Be open to enjoy any little enjoyable thing that happens. Smile. Enjoy others smiles. Breathe. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!;)